Fractures of the lateral process of the talus. Retrospective study of 44 cases

Fractures of the lateral process of the talus often go undiagnosed. The cohorts reported in the literature are small. The aim of the study was to analyze these fractures with a large group of patients.

Forty-four fractures in 43 patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 17 months. The diagnosis had been made immediately in 14 cases and secondarily in 30 cases with a delay of 46 months. Patients were evaluated with Kitaoka's score and X-rays using Hawkins classification. Fractures occurred during sports in 19 cases. The most frequent mechanism was association of dorsal flexion and pronation. There were associated lesions in 44% of cases.

In the delayed diagnosis group, we found 14 cases of associated pseudarthrosis and subtalar osteoarthritis, two cases of isolated pseudarthrosis and two cases of isolated subtalar osteoarthritis. After treatment, the result at the last follow-up was excellent in 15 of these cases (50%), good in seven cases (23%), fair in seven cases (23%) and poor in one case (4%). In the immediate diagnosis group, five of 14 patients had at least one complication: 29% pseudarthrosis and 29% subtalar osteoarthritis. After treatment, the result at the last follow-up in this group was excellent in eight cases (58%), good in four cases (28%) and fair in two cases (14%). Immediate diagnosis was correlated with better results at the last follow-up. In the immediate diagnosis group, among patients who had orthopedic treatment, the rate of secondary surgery was 42%.

Fracture of the lateral process of the talus is quite frequent and occurs among young people. Spontaneous progression is severe, with two major complications: pseudarthrosis and subtalar osteoarthritis. Treatment is always required in case of displaced fracture.